Shanghai's BEST Hotel Near Century Avenue Metro? (Hanting Hotel Review!)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive HEADFIRST into the glorious, sometimes-dodgy world of Shanghai hotels. And specifically, we're talking about the Hanting Hotel near Century Avenue Metro. Is it the BEST near Century Avenue? Well, let's find out, shall we? This isn't just a review; it's a rollercoaster of expectations, reality, and the lingering taste of, well, let's just say sometimes-questionable breakfast.
First Impression: The Metro Whisper (and Maybe a Few Hiccups)
Accessibility: Okay, first things first. Getting to the Hanting is pretty darn convenient. Century Avenue Metro is practically breathing distance – a major plus. This is HUGE for Shanghai. No dragging suitcases through crowded streets for miles! The accessibility from the station to the hotel itself seemed decent enough, but inside the hotel is where things get a little less clear cut. While I didn't need a wheelchair, seeing the hotel layout gave me a feeling that accessing everything in the hotel is not completely barrier free.
Getting Around: Airport transfer? They claim to have it. I didn't use it, but I'd recommend confirming the price and process beforehand. On-site car park? Yup, you'll find it…and it's free! Score! I did see cars with charging stations, but didn’t check if these were for a price. It feels like its in a fairly bustling area so I’d still take a look at the accessibility with a disabled person in mind - or ask them point blank - but getting around for us was pretty easy.
The "Cleanliness and Safety" Saga (Let's Hope It's Not a Horror Movie)
Okay, this is the BIG one, especially post-pandemic, right? And here's where things get…mixed.
- Hygiene Certification: Honestly, I didn't spot any flashing lights announcing a pristine bill of health. But they DID say stuff like "Daily disinfection in common areas." Take that with a grain of salt, folks.
- Anti-viral cleaning products: They say they use them. Again, trust but verify, especially if you're a germaphobe.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Supposedly, but I didn't see them literally waving a magic wand. I'm leaning towards "probably" but, you know…
- Hand sanitizer: Found it near the elevators and reception. Good start.
- Individually-wrapped food options: Thank GOD, the breakfast (more on that later…) seemed to be trying.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: Hopefully! They seemed… attentive, but not in a "we're ready to battle the apocalypse" kind of way.
The Good:
- CCTV in Common Areas & Outside: Security is a definite plus for a solo traveller like I was.
- Safety Deposit Boxes: Always a good idea!
- 24-Hour Front Desk & Security: Peace of mind.
The "Maybe" (or "Room for Improvement")
- Room Sanitization Opt-out: I never saw a sign saying I could skip the cleaning.
- Shared stationery removed: I didn't need any, but didn't see any fancy pens either.
- Fire Safety: There were extinguishers and smoke alarms. Okay, I'm starting to feel better.
My Personal Experience:
Look, I didn't get sick. The room appeared clean. But there were moments, maybe the slightly-worn carpet, or the faint whiff of…something…in the hallway, that made me wonder. I just made sure to give everything a good wipe-down with my own trusty antibacterial wipes before I settled in. Better safe than sorry, right? Rooms: A Mixed Bag (and the A/C Battle) Available in all rooms, Air conditioning - yes. But I swear, I spent half my stay adjusting it. Sometimes too hot, sometimes a blizzard. The Rooms:
- Non-smoking rooms: YES! THANK GOD.
- Soundproof rooms: They were okay. You'll still hear some street noise, but not a deal-breaker.
- Internet: Wi-Fi was free, but the speed varied wildly. Okay for basic browsing, but don't expect to stream HD movies.
- Comforts: You get the essentials - bed, desk, small TV, and often a little seating area.
The Bathroom (Where the Magic Happens…or Doesn't)
- Private bathroom: Yes.
- Shower: Usually decent water pressure, which is a win!
- Toiletries: Basic, but they do the job. Bring your own if you're fussy.
The Anecdote:
One night, I was trying to work on my laptop (Internet woes, remember?) when the A/C decided to go nuclear. I swear, it was blowing icy air straight into my face. I went through a whole dance of turning it off, turning it on, adjusting the thermostat…until I finally gave up and buried myself under the covers. The next morning, it was a furnace! Classic! Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: The Buffet, the Bar, and the Breakfast…Oh, the Breakfast
Restaurants: They do have a restaurant! Breakfast Experience:
- Breakfast [buffet]: The highlight…and the lowlight. It's included, which is great for the budget. But be prepared for a thrilling culinary adventure. Let's just say "western cuisine" and "asian cuisine" can both be present. Often the same things…I enjoyed some fried eggs with noodles and it worked!
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: Yeah…more of a "watered-down instant coffee with the vague promise of tea."
- Snack Bar: Didn’t see it, but always an option.
- Room service: I didn’t look for it.
- Alternative meal arrangement I couldn't tell you.
The Bar (If It Exists) I didn’t stumble across it.
My Opinion: Overall, the food is decent, but nothing to write home about. But, hey, it's Shanghai. You're not staying here for gourmet dining. You're staying here for the convenience, the price, and the accessibility to the Metro. Services and Conveniences: What You Get and What You Won't
- Concierge: Helpful? Kinda, but not overly friendly.
- Laundry service and dry cleaning: Yes, and I needed it!
- Luggage storage: Yep!
- Cash withdrawal: There's one!
What's Notably Missing:
- Spa/Fitness Center/Pool: Nope. This is a budget-friendly hotel. Don't expect luxury.
- Babysitting/Kids Facilities: No, unless you are looking for a child friendly area
- Business Centre: There's a xerox in the business center and a room you can use for business.
- Meeting/Banquet Facilities: If you host an event, use an outdoor venue.
For the Kids: No kids facilities that I can see.
Things to Do (Besides Ride the Metro)
- Explore the area! Century Avenue Metro gets you…well, everywhere. The Bund, museums, shopping, you name it.
- Enjoy the vibrant city life. This is Shanghai, people! Get out there!
- Relax: Maybe…in your room. The hotel itself isn’t really a relaxation destination.
The Verdict: Is the Hanting Hotel Near Century Avenue Metro Worth It?
The Good:
- Location, Location, Location! The Metro access is GOLD.
- Price: It's budget-friendly, which is a HUGE win in expensive Shanghai.
- Cleanliness: Mostly okay, or at least acceptable.
The "Meh":
- Ambience: It's functional, not fancy. Don't expect a romantic getaway.
- Breakfast: It's functional…and sometimes questionable.
- Amenities: Limited. Quirky Observations and Final Thoughts
The Elevator: Always be aware there might be a wait. My Final Thoughts:
Look, the Hanting Hotel near Century Avenue Metro isn't the Ritz. It's not even the Holiday Inn. But it's a solid choice if you're looking for a clean, affordable, and incredibly convenient base camp for exploring Shanghai. Just lower your expectations a little, pack some Clorox wipes, and be prepared for an adventure. And if you are ever in that breakfast line, look out for me. I'll be the one eyeing the mystery meat with a healthy dose of apprehension.
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Escape to Paradise: Mira Mare Praia Hotel, Guarujá, Brazil
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we’re about to dive headfirst into my Shanghai-at-the-HanTing-Hotel-Century-Avenue-Metro-Station experience. This ain't your glossy travel brochure, folks. This is the real, unpolished, slightly-caffeinated me on the road.
Day 1: Shanghai Shuffle – (or, "Why Did I Think Packing a Suitcase That Big Was a Good Idea?")
- 8:00 AM: Arrived at Pudong International Airport. Jetlagged and smelling faintly of airplane pretzels. My first mistake? Checking a bag that could house a small family. Seriously, I felt like a freaking sherpa hauling it through the airport. Airport customs, the line was long. I wanted to be in my room.
- 9:30 AM: Took Maglev to Metro line 2, it was fast. So fast, I nearly missed my stop.
- 10:30 AM: Finally! The sweet, sweet, (hopefully) air-conditioned embrace of the Hanting Hotel. Let me tell you, after the airport hustle, the lobby felt like a goddamn oasis. The check-in process was surprisingly painless (a small victory!). The room? Standard Hanting, bless its minimalist heart. Clean. Small. Functional. Already better than my cramped apartment, honestly.
- 11:00 AM: First impressions of the hotel - Clean, I guess. But the elevators are slow. Like, REALLY slow. Good thing I’m not claustrophobic… yet. Also, the view from Room 807… well, it’s of another building. Welcome to city living!
- 12:00 PM: Lunch, I try to fight with my stomach, but my hunger wins! I head for a nearby street food stall. The smell alone was enough to make my stomach do a happy dance. I ate some baozi. The vendor was kind, even though I probably butchered the Mandarin for "thank you". Ate too fast, burned my tongue. Worth it.
- 1:00 PM: Exploring the neighborhood. The Century Avenue Metro Station is literally a stone's throw from the hotel. It's a beast of a station. I love it. I found a little tea shop. The owner spoke decent English, which was a relief. I bought some green tea, it tasted like happiness in a cup.
- 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Decided to walk around the neighborhood. I wandered. Got a bit lost. Found a park, saw a group of elderly people practicing tai chi. It was oddly mesmerizing. Felt incredibly uncoordinated trying to imitate their graceful movements. Gave up and just sat watching the ducks.
- 4:00 PM: Got back to hotel to shower.
- 5:00 PM: Trying, and failing, to master the art of the hotel room kettle. The water never seems to get hot enough for a decent cup of instant coffee!
- 6:00 PM: Dinner. After some internal debate between the safety of the hotel's restaurant. I opted for the local food stall. This time, I got a bowl of noodles. The spice level was a bit… ambitious. My nose is still running.
- 7:30 PM: The constant hum of city life. Never slept more than 5 hours at home.
- 8:00 PM: Back at the hotel, ready to crash. Shanghai is exhausting, in the best way possible.
- 9:00 PM: Shower. The water pressure? Surprisingly good. Thank you, Hanting.
- 9:30 PM: Attempting to plan Day 2. Realizing I probably need to learn a few more Mandarin phrases if I want to avoid eating spicy noodles for every meal.
- 10:00 PM: Lights out. Hopefully, the earplugs will drown out the incessant traffic noise.
Day 2: The Bund & Beyond – (or, "My Camera Needs a Vacation After That Photo Marathon")
- 7:00 AM: Woke up way too early, thanks to the delightful combination of jet lag and the infernal rooster crows outside my window. Okay, maybe it wasn't a rooster. Maybe it was the sound of construction. Either way, I'm up.
- 7:30 AM: Breakfast at the hotel. The breakfast options: I went for the congee. It was bland, but filling. I guess it's the perfect base for a day of exploring.
- 8:30 AM: Metro to The Bund! Packed like sardines on the subway, but finally arrived. The view was breathtaking. Seriously, the skyline is magnificent. I took approximately 800 photos, mostly to make people jealous that I wasn't freezing my ass off.
- 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM: Wandered along The Bund. Had a gelato. It was the best ice cream I ever tasted.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch at a busy restaurant. I somehow managed to order something I actually recognized. Success!
- 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Went to the Shanghai Museum. Felt overwhelmed by the history and artifacts. Got lost in the Chinese calligraphy exhibit.
- 3:00 PM: Headed back to hotel to charge my phone.
- 4:00 PM: A cup of tea.
- 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Went back to explore a local park.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner, I tried a local restaurant and ordered something that looked amazing. It was awful.
- 8:00 PM: Back at hotel.
- 9:00 PM: I realized I forgot my charger plug… I made peace with the fact that I will probably run out of battery.
- 10:00 PM: Lights out.
Day 3: Shopping and Goodbye - (or, "My Wallet Cries, But My Heart Is Full")
- 7:00 AM: Woke up early again.
- 7:30 AM: Breakfast. Tried to order French toast. I failed, and ended up with congee again.
- 8:30 AM - 11:00 AM: Headed to a shopping mall. I am not a shopper, and yet… I spent way too much money.
- 11:00 AM: Packed my suitcase for the ride to the airport.
- 12:00 PM: Last meal. The best meal I had.
- 1:00 PM: Left to the airport.
- 2:00 PM: Arrived to the airport.
The Verdict:
Shanghai, you beautiful, chaotic, delicious, sleep-depriving city. You've tested my patience, my Mandarin skills (or lack thereof), and my ability to navigate public transport. But you've also filled me with wonder, fed my soul, and given me memories that I'll cherish forever.
Would I recommend the Hanting Hotel Century Avenue Metro Station? Sure, if you want a clean, budget-friendly base in a vibrant neighborhood. But honestly, it’s Shanghai itself that you’re coming for. And Shanghai? She's a masterpiece. Go. Explore. Get lost. And don’t forget to pack a travel adapter! (I’m still regretting that one.)
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Hanting Hotel Shanghai Near Century Avenue Metro: The Good, The Bad, and the Oh, Dear God, Wasps? (A Messy Review!)
Okay, so *is* the Hanting near Century Avenue Metro actually *near* it? Because "near" can be subjective in Shanghai...
Alright, listen up, because this is crucial. YES. The Hanting *is* near Century Avenue Metro. Like, *actually* near. We're talking a leisurely five-to-ten-minute stroll. I’m not a marathon runner, and I was lugging a suitcase. No sweat. You exit the station, and BAM! You're basically there. (Unless you get distracted by the delicious smell of jianbing, which, fair warning, WILL happen.) The proximity is the saving grace of the place, seriously. After a long day of navigating the city, knowing you can practically roll into your room is pure gold.
What's the vibe like at the Hanting? Is it... clean-ish?
"Clean-ish" is… accurate. Let’s call it "functional." Look, it’s not the Park Hyatt. Expect no marble bathrooms or fluffy robes. Think more… efficient cleanliness. Like, they get the job done. Surfaces are wiped, the sheets *appear* clean (I always give them a good inspection, because... well, you know!), and the bathroom *mostly* smells of cleaning products. But let's be honest, sometimes you catch a whiff of something… less pleasant. Let's just say, bring your own sanitizing wipes. Always. My shower curtain was seen better days.
The rooms – tiny, right? And the beds are like sleeping on a wooden plank?
Tiny? Honey, you’re in Shanghai. Space is at a premium. Yes, the rooms are compact. You basically have enough room to walk around the bed and, if you're lucky, open your suitcase. The bed… okay, the bed is a mixed bag. Mine was fine. A colleague of mine, however… let’s just say she woke up feeling like she’d wrestled a cement block all night. She actually *moaned* when she sat on it because it was so hard. I think if you're used to a proper, fluffy mattress, prepare for a bit of an adjustment. But hey, you're there to explore the city, not lounge in luxurious slumber, right? (Right?)
Breakfast? Is it a tragic, pre-packaged affair, or something vaguely edible?
Breakfast… prepare your expectations accordingly. It's included, which is a huge plus. Think… basic. Very basic. There are usually some steamed buns (they're alright, if you're hungry), some questionable-looking eggs, a few sad little pastries, and congee (rice porridge). Coffee? Let's just say it could wake the dead. (In a bad way). It's not gourmet, but it'll fill a hole. My advice? Grab some street food on your way to the metro station. Much better.
Are the staff helpful/speaking any English?
Okay, this is a mixed bag. Some staff members speak decent English; others, not so much. Patience is key, and a translator app is your best friend. I tried to ask for extra towels once (because… reasons), and the conversation devolved into a charade of hand gestures and confused grunts. Eventually, I think I got through. They were trying their best, and that's what matters, really, though if you think you need a room service you might be out of luck. But generally, don't expect fluent English. Be prepared to mime.
Okay, let's talk about the worst part, because there has to be one.
Oh, there's a worst part. And it involves wasps. Okay, hear me out. I was in my room, peacefully, trying to sort a giant pile of business cards that I'd acquired over the day, when I heard a buzzing. Not a friendly "bee near flowers" buzzing. This was a menacing "wasp planning an attack" buzzing. I turn around, and there's ONE, then TWO, then (I swear) at least FIVE wasps casually flying around my window. My heart stopped. I ran, screaming, out of the room. I flagged down a very confused cleaner, who eventually managed to (very bravely) evict the winged invaders. I was traumatized. I checked every single time I went back into the room for the rest of my stay. Every. Single. Time. Now, I understand it's not the hotel's fault. But seriously… wasps? In my room? It still makes me shudder. So, yeah. Bring wasp repellent.
Is it worth it? Would you stay there again? (Be honest!)
Honestly? For the price and the location? Yes. I probably would, despite the wasp incident (which, let's be real, could happen anywhere). If you're looking for a budget-friendly, conveniently located hotel with a decent bed (hopefully!), then the Hanting near Century Avenue Metro is a solid option. Just… keep an eye out for those wasps. And maybe bring your own coffee. And a good book. And maybe some earplugs, in case you get a noisy neighbor. Okay, maybe bring everything. But the location is just... perfect.
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